In-car navigation – A distraction?

We all heard of the anti-distracted driving law that got blown out of proportion because of the implementing fiasco that came about with everybody trying to define "line of sight."  This law was supposed to be just a simple law of not using your cellphone while driving. Instead, in the implementation phase, in-car navigations, dashcams and touch screen entertainment systems were the ones being targeted.  This caused enough issues that it actually "distracted" us from the essence of the law.  But are in-car navigation (GPS, Waze, Google Maps, etc) really a distraction when it comes to driving?

I have tried on numerous occasions using my phone's GPS as a navigation system while I drove on unfamiliar roads.  I find it easier to use when it is mounted where I can see using my peripheral vision (yes, line of sight).  I have also tried mounting in lower or just placing it on the seat beside me.  Mostly it does work ok without any problems since there is voice navigation but there are just those times that you need to know if you have to prepare for a lane change or go on flyover or underpass. It really pays to know ahead especially with the web-like road network here in the Philippines.

But technology can also be a double-edged sword as people have tried to set their destinations while the car is moving. And some even stare at the screen while driving instead of the road up ahead. Some applications have protection built-in that doesn't allow you to make inputs when the car is moving but they are easily turned off usually by a click of a button.  In this case, it can actually become more of a distraction.

In my opinion, in-car navigation actually lessens distractions whether it is placed in your line of sight or not.  For one, you won't be all wide eyed and searching for that elusive landmark or street sign where you need to turn to get to your destination.  You just need to concentrate on driving and let the navigation application tell you where to turn and when.  Some nav systems even automatically tell you if you are above the posted speed limit on the freeway or tells you if there is traffic up ahead and does auto rerouting to get you to your destination on time.  Some applications even announce in advance if there is a traffic obstruction up ahead–all these without you taking your eyes off the road.

Instead of suppressing technology use, the government should instead focus their energy on educating the public on the correct way of using these technologies. Just like gun ownership, the navigation system isn't necessarily a bad thing but what is needed is to educate the users on how to correctly use it as not to endanger other motorists.  To quote an age old saying… "it is the Indian, not the arrow."  As with all things, we should also pitch in and do our part. Let us help educate the "Indians" how to properly use the "arrow."

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